VELA is a key partner in SafeBorders, a large-scale EU initiative focused on strengthening the capacity of law enforcement, judicial authorities, and frontline workers to combat child trafficking. The project also introduces an AI-powered platform to help identify trafficking networks and improve cross-border cooperation. VELA leads capacity-building efforts in Poland and supports the rollout of the AI tool across partner countries. Funded by the Internal Security Fund (ISF), the project promotes knowledge exchange, best practices, and coordinated action at the European level.
SafeBorders includes specialised training programmes for professionals such as police, prosecutors, social workers, and legal and the judiciary, with a focus on trauma-informed approaches and identifying vulnerable child victims. It also establishes a network of specialised prosecutors to strengthen cross-border legal cooperation.
Partners and Countries:
Centre for European Constitutional Law (Greece) – promoter | Ministry of Migration and Asylum (Greece) | Foundation VELA (Poland) | IPS_Innovative Prison Systems (Portugal) | Saúde em Português (Portugal) | CESIE – European Centre of Studies and Initiatives (Italy) | CSD – Center for the Study of Democracy (Bulgaria) | Missing Children Europe – European Federation for Missing and Sexually Exploited Children (Belgium) | ADPARE – Association for the Development of Alternative Reintegration and Education Practices (Romania) | HEUNI – European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control (Finland)
The project aims to improve knowledge about criminal networks and child trafficking, increase the capacity of law enforcement, judicial authorities, and frontline professionals to effectively respond to child trafficking, and raise awareness across the EU through both local and EU-wide actions. It also focuses on strengthening protection systems for child victims to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children in the region, introducing AI as a tool in the fight against child trafficking, and promoting cross-border cooperation among relevant stakeholders.
Project Offering:
- Training and development
- Capacity building
- Information technology
- Security
- Cross-border collaboration
As part of the project, VELA has organized a Stakeholders’ Meeting in Warsaw, bringing together key actors to foster collaboration and advance efforts to combat child trafficking. Read more.
SafeBorders project country report: the Report on Child Trafficking in Poland is out. Read more.
For more information about the project or to get involved, please contact: [email protected]
